British Bugs
HOME A BIT ABOUT BUGS GALLERY SYSTEMATIC LISTS RECORDING BUGS CONTACT US LINKS

Stygnocoris rusticus
Family: Lygaeidae

Stygnocoris species are small ground bugs in which the pronotum and forewings are covered in fine hairs. The pronotum is punctured throughout, and the front femora lack spines.

S. rusticus has a uniformly black pronotum and the dorsal surface is dull, with a short pubescence. It is is usually brachypterous, although fully-winged individuals do occur. Unlike most ground bugs, this species overwinters as eggs, which hatch in the spring, nymphs becoming adult by late summer.

Widespread but local throughout the UK, particularly on dry sandy or chalky soils.

Adult: August-October; some may overwinter
Length 3-4 mm
 Stygnocoris rusticus
Adults: Lincs (September 2008) ©Michael Talbot
Stygnocoris rusticus Stygnocoris rusticus
Adult: east London (October 2008) ©Tristan Bantock

 Adult: east London (October 2008) ©Tristan Bantock
Stygnocoris rusticus Stygnocoris rusticus
Adult: Yorks (September 2008) ©Joe Botting

 		Adult: east London (August 2008) ©Tristan Bantock